The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2017

by
posted on May 22, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (6)

Imagine being jolted awake by the sound of a crash, then seeing a pick axe and a man with a black bandana over his face coming through your bedroom door. A Foley, Ala., man lived through that situation because he had a loaded gun within arm’s reach. After the stranger charged toward him while he was still in bed, the homeowner fired, killing the burglar. Two accomplices, who are charged with planning the crime, have since been arrested. (The Onlooker, Foley, AL, 3/8/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Early one morning an intruder holding a large metal flashlight walked into a couple’s unlocked apartment. One of the residents, an ex-Marine, picked up his SIG Sauer .40-cal. pistol, and warned the intruder to leave. The man complied but returned and broke the glass out of the front door. The female resident called 9-1-1 while her boyfriend shot the intruder, hitting him in the shoulder. The would-be burglar then smashed the windows of the residents’ car and returned to sit at the front door until police arrived. He was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary. The ex-Marine was not charged. (CentralMaine.com, Richmond, ME, 3/8/17) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
May 1972
Mrs. Velma Priddle was alone in her home in Palo Alto, Calif., one morning when she heard a car drive up outside. A man with a screwdriver then approached her screen door. When Mrs. Priddle asked him what he wanted, he raised the screwdriver as if to strike her. She reached for a .22 rifle and wounded the man. Police later said the man had a long record of burglary arrests. (The Palo Alto Times, Palo Alto, CA)

Latest

Guns of the American Revolution Illustration
Guns of the American Revolution Illustration

The Guns of the American Revolution

Contrary to popular perception, the American Revolution wasn’t all muskets, bayonets and Mel Gibson running around with a tomahawk.

The Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist: A Gentleman's Survival Rifle

Pedersoli brings the double rifle into both affordable and practical territory with their Kodiak Survivalist Compact Express Rifle chambered in .44 Mag.

The Armed Citizen® June 29, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

4 Helpful Online Tools to Track Ammunition Prices

For those seeking the best possible prices on ammunition, a number of new tools have emerged to give firearm enthusiasts an edge up when it comes to feeding their guns on a budget.

Book Review: 2026 Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States

Newly updated for 2026, the 30th edition of the “Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States” is a must-have resource for those who travel often and therefore must navigate the patchwork maze of laws imposed in various localities.

5 Must-Have Ruger Mini-14 Accessories

In production since 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 has spawned a rather healthy aftermarket of parts and accessories. Here are five that you really can't live without if you're a true Mini-14 fan.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.